Turn Portland's parks and strange history into an epic adventure. The #1 outdoor activity for families and birthday parties.
Portland isn't just about donuts and rain—it's an urban playground waiting to be explored. Whether you're hiking to the Witch's Castle in Forest Park or exploring the volcanic trails of Mt. Tabor, Quest-Hero turns a regular family outing into a thrilling spy mission. Forget expensive venues; discover the magic of the Pacific Northwest with a digital adventure that gets kids moving.
No app required • No sign-up needed • Play instantly
Why Portland is the Perfect Playground
Finding engaging family activities in Portland that satisfy both energetic kids and relaxing parents can be tricky. You want to explore the International Rose Test Garden or walk the Wildwood Trail, but kids often find hiking "boring" after ten minutes.
Quest-Hero changes the game by overlaying a digital fantasy world onto the real world. Suddenly, a walk through Washington Park isn't just a walk—it's a mission to save the city. Our GPS-led scavenger hunts guide you to hidden gems, local oddities, and historic landmarks, all while solving riddles on your phone.
Top Locations for Your Quest
- Forest Park & The Witch's Castle: Take your explorers on a quest starting at Lower Macleay Park. Our app guides you along Balch Creek to the mysterious stone ruins known locally as the "Witch's Castle." It's the perfect mix of nature and spooky history.
- Mt. Tabor's Volcanic Adventure: Did you know there's a volcano in the middle of the city? Scale the cinder cone of Mt. Tabor while solving puzzles about the historic reservoirs and enjoying the best views of the Portland skyline.
- Downtown "Weird" Hunt: Embrace the "Keep Portland Weird" motto. Hunt for clues near Pioneer Courthouse Square, spot tiny art installations, and earn your victory donuts.
The Ultimate Birthday Party Solution
Planning a kids birthday party in Portland usually means expensive trampoline parks or crowded indoor play centers. Quest-Hero offers a stress-free alternative.
For a fraction of the cost of a venue rental, you can host an outdoor adventure party. We provide the mission; you bring the cake (and maybe some Voodoo Doughnuts). It's instant, requires zero setup, and works rain or shine—because we know Portland weather changes every 5 minutes.
Quest-Hero vs. Traditional Activities
| Feature | Quest-Hero Scavenger Hunt | Traditional Guided Tour | DIY Paper Treasure Hunt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | One low price per group | Expensive ($15-20 per person) | Free, but hours of prep |
| Flexibility | Start anytime, pause for rain/snacks | Fixed schedule, no refunds | Fixed location only |
| Engagement | Interactive GPS & Story-driven | Passive listening | Easy to lose paper clues |
| Privacy | Just your family/friends | Mixed with strangers | Just your group |
How It Works
- Buy a Code: Purchase instantly online. One code covers your whole team.
- Go to the Start: Head to the designated start point in Portland (e.g., Forest Park entrance).
- Play: The app guides you step-by-step. No map reading skills required—just follow the compass and solve the clues!
One Price for the Whole Group
Unlike competitors who charge per person, Quest-Hero covers your entire family or party for one affordable flat fee.
Explore Epic Nature
Designed for Portland's best spots: discover the Witch's Castle, Washington Park, and Mt. Tabor without the whining.
Zero Prep, Instant Play
No printing clues or hiding items beforehand. Just charge your phone, head to the park, and start the adventure immediately.
Discover more
"We did the Forest Park quest for my son's 10th birthday. The kids loved finding the Witch's Castle, and I loved that I didn't have to organize anything other than the car ride there!"
- Sarah M., Beaverton
"Saved our rainy Sunday! We started the downtown hunt, paused for lunch when the drizzle started, and finished up when the sun came out. Way better than another day on the iPad."
- Jason L., NE Portland
"I was skeptical about a phone game in nature, but it actually made my kids look at their surroundings MORE. They were racing to find the next landmark at Mt. Tabor."
- Emily R., Gresham
What happens if it starts raining during our scavenger hunt?
This is Portland, so we planned for rain! Quest-Hero allows you to pause the game at any time. You can duck into a cafe or Powell's Books to wait out a shower and resume exactly where you left off whenever you're ready.
Is this suitable for a kids' birthday party?
Absolutely. It's a favorite for Portland parents because it's affordable and active. For larger parties, you can split kids into teams (e.g., 'Team Sasquatch' vs. 'Team Beaver') and have them race to the finish line.
Are the trails stroller friendly?
Most of our Portland routes, like the Downtown and Mt. Tabor adventures, are on paved paths suitable for strollers. The Forest Park adventure involves some hiking trails that are better suited for carriers or walking children.
How does the outdoor treasure hunt work?
The treasure hunt runs right in your mobile browser (Safari or Chrome). GPS guides you to each station where exciting riddles await.
What do I need to play?
You only need a smartphone or tablet with GPS - Android or Apple, either works perfectly. For treasure hunt games you should also hide a small treasure at the final stop.
What can I use as a treasure?
Anything fun works: small toys, candy, chocolate, or another surprise. It doesn’t have to be expensive. A themed container such as a small treasure chest adds to the excitement.
What ages can take part?
Our quests are suitable for children ages 4 and up and adapt to the selected age range. Younger kids who can’t read yet may need a little help.
How long does a game last?
Playtime depends on your route and the number of quizzes. Plan for roughly 30–90 minutes for a typical adventure. The setup shows you the expected walking distance.
Where can we play the treasure hunt?
The quests automatically adjust to your chosen location. Play in a park, downtown, your neighborhood, or even the backyard.
Do I need to prepare anything?
Preparation is quick and easy. Pick the stations on a map to create your personalized route and you’re ready to go in minutes.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
A little rain is fine, but please postpone the game if thunderstorms or high winds are forecast to keep everyone safe.
Can we pause the game?
Yes. You can pause at any time and continue later. Your progress is saved automatically.
What if we can’t solve a quiz?
You receive up to three hints. If you’re still stuck, you can skip the quiz and keep the adventure moving.
How many times can we play a purchased game?
Each quest can be completed twice.
How long is a game valid?
Your game license is valid for one year from the purchase date.
What if I placed a station at the wrong spot?
No worries - even if it ended up in a pond or on private property. You can adjust every station at any time, including while you play. Just reopen the setup and move the marker.
How do I get help?
Email us at [email protected] and we'll assist you as quickly as possible.